DAC Compatible with PS Audio SACD Transport


I have the PS Audio SACD transport on order. The ideal matching DAC to connect the PSA SACD transport is the just released PS Audio Direct Stream DAC II. But at USD8K, the price makes it seem like a bridge too far. Therefore I am looking for  another DAC that is compatible with the PSA SACD transport, for SACD playback via I2S. I am eyeing the Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC as it is reported to be an excellent DAC and is substantially cheaper than the PSA DAC. 

Are there any other DACs that you can recommend? Or do you think I should bite the bullet and get the PSA SACD DAC?

I must admit to being tempted from time to time, as PSA releases regular DAC updates which essentially gets you a new DAC. But then sanity intrudes LOL. 

 

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@rar1 Thanks for the input especially in relation to the PSA SACD Transport, and no worries! 

@smatsui ​​@skinzy @philgo01 Thanks for the confirmation in relation to the Holo Audio KTE & Denafrips DACs!

@philgo01 This is the updated SACD Mk II version of the SACD transport.I believe it was released sometime in the past year or two.
 

@slowlane @curiousjim @fittebd  Noted as to your recommendations as to MK I version of the PSA DAC. Unfortunately, I don’t live in the US. I’m in Malaysia and they come up for sale here very rarely. No discounts here too. 😔 
 

@vandy357 Appreciate the feedback on the MK1 and MK2 DACs. That most definitely swings me over to the likelihood of buying the MK2 DAC!

 

@curiousjim  The PSA SACD transport does work with certain other DACs with the right I2S configuration. See feedback from @skinzy ​​@smatsui & @philgo01 above.

 

 

Good condition Danafrips Terminator (original version) is <$3000 on US audio mart, it can be configured to take PS Audio IS2 input and could be used with Danafrips converters to take USB streaming sources and converting to IS2.

Keep an eye on usaudiomart. There might be the right seller who will ship for some extra cash.  $100 might do it. Plus cost of shipping.   Any friends or family here that could ship for you? 

As a side note the reason I bought the PSA SACD transport last year was to play my large collection of SACD's.  Note that a SACD is only DSD64.  In many cases a redbook sounds better played through the PSA transport. FYI

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